Straatmarkt in Issoire 1902

This small photograph, "Straatmarkt in Issoire" by Delizy, now at the Rijksmuseum, feels to me like a fleeting moment. It's a scene captured on gelatin silver printing-out paper—can you imagine the artist, Delizy, observing this bustling market? I imagine Delizy setting up their camera amidst the crowd, trying to capture the energy of the market in Issoire. What was it like to try to keep the camera still, finding the right angle while people moved about, haggling and chatting? Look at the monochromatic tones, how they create a sense of timelessness. Each figure is rendered with a delicate touch, the textures of the fabrics and the cobblestones adding depth to the scene. This piece reminds me of the works of Eugène Atget, who documented the streets of Paris with a similar sense of quiet observation. It’s like Delizy and Atget are in conversation across time, both capturing the ephemeral beauty of everyday life. This photograph invites us to pause and appreciate the richness of a moment, captured and preserved.